Simon Taufel resigns from Cricket Australia’s Head of Umpiring post

Regarded as one of the best umpires of his times, Australian Simon Taufel has tendered resignation from the post of Cricket Australia’s (CA) Head of Umpiring citing personal reasons and it was learned that the 47-year-old’s decision was abrupt. The official took a leave last week and will not join work till his contract ends on August 31.

Taufel, who started officiating in Test matches in 2000 at the age of 29, was known for his professional and meticulous approach towards the match official accreditation course and his tenure saw umpires getting regularly appraised by match referees in both Australian first-class cricket and the Big Bash League.

He has also served as the panel manager of the committee that has been picking match referees and umpires since 2016 when he was brought in by CA’s head of performance Pat Howard as per reports in The Age. Hailing from Sydney, Taufel officiated in 74 Tests and 174 ODIs besides 34 T20Is between 1999 and 2012 – a career which is no less illustrious than any accomplished cricketer.

He was also adjudged as the ICC umpire of the year for each year between 2004 and 2008. After quitting as the on-field umpire, Taufel worked as umpire performance and training manager with the International Cricket Council from November 2012 till he joined CA.

Taufel frustrated with CA?

Taufel’s reason to quit might be his frustration with the CA in recent times. Australian cricket has seen some turmoil ever since the ball-tampering incident happened in South Africa earlier this year and saw a year-long ban being imposed on two of their top cricketers – Steve Smith and David Warner.

CEO James Sutherland is also on a 12-month notice period and his successor is yet to be interviewed. The selection committee has also been renewed and new captains and new coaches also in place for the Kangaroos. Various other officials have also left and the CA is in for a complete overhaul.

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